The Bishop's Palace and Gardens in Wells, Somerset, hires out its medieval Undercroft, Long Gallery and Conference Room for celebration dinners, company events, wedding receptions and fundraising events. The Undercroft takes 60 to 105 guests at long banqueting tables, in the evening from 6 pm to 11:30 pm. The palace is about 800 years old, with a moat and a drawbridge, and stands in 14 acres of gardens.
Seminars and company events
The Conference Room is the room for daytime meetings, and the palace offers venue hire both in the evening and during the day. The Undercroft suits celebrations with family and friends, or events with work colleagues, such as a team dinner or a client evening. The pages read give no capacity for the Conference Room or the Long Gallery and no equipment list, so ask the hire team. The site has no dedicated corporate package.
Weddings and receptions
The palace limits the number of wedding receptions each year. In fine weather, drinks and celebrations take place on the terrace and in the gardens, with the historic architecture around. In colder months, the medieval entrance hall, with its log fire, is an intimate setting for a smaller reception. The site has its own wedding reception page with packages, which this page does not repeat.
Rooms and capacities
The Undercroft takes from 60 to 105 guests, seated at long banqueting tables, for hire between 6 pm and 11:30 pm. You may organize your own music for the evening. The Long Gallery and the Conference Room are listed as further venue spaces. The gardens include a moat, a drawbridge, a ruined Great Hall and a 13th-century chapel.
Catering
Catering is provided by one of the palace's catering partners, with an emphasis on quality seasonal produce, locally sourced. Catering options are available for celebration dinners. Music can also be organized as part of the entertainment.
Accommodation
There is no accommodation at the palace. Wells has hotels and guest houses in the city.
History and setting
The Bishop's Palace and Gardens has been a centre of hospitality for over 800 years. It is in the heart of the medieval city of Wells, with RHS partner gardens. It is also used as a film location.
Getting there
The address is The Bishop's Palace and Gardens, Wells, Somerset BA5 2PD. Wells is 20 miles from Bristol and Bath. Call 01749 988111 for hire enquiries.
